COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier, along with several members of the team have always talked about toughness of quarterback Connor Shaw.

It appears the Gamecocks' starting quarterback's ability to push through the pain might be on display again as Spurrier said Tuesday that Shaw will be available for Saturday's home Southeastern Conference game against Kentucky.

"Connor Shaw, it looks like he is going to be healthy and able to play," said Spurrier. "I don't know who will start yet. We'll wait on that."

Dylan Thompson filled in for Shaw last week against Central Florida and remains a candidate to start against Kentucky. Spurrier said an announcement on that will probably be made Thursday.

Shaw injured his right shoulder on the Gamecocks seventh offensive play of the game when he ran the read option up the middle of the field before being tackled and fumbling the football.

He did not return to the game, watching from the sideline with his shoulder and right arm taped. Spurrier said at the time that Shaw would miss two to three weeks.

"(Shaw) is a tough guy, obviously a very tough guy," Spurrier said Tuesday. "He obviously had a lot of pain with the hit the other day because, when he came off the field, it looked like he was out for the season, maybe. But now, he is good shape.

"Connor is a tough kid who should be able to play this week. He has played very well for us. His record speaks for itself — percentage-wise the winningest quarterback. You've got to say he really played well."

Shaw participated in Monday's practice on a limited basis but proved to Spurrier he could be ready to play Saturday.